Former 76ers Owner Pat Croce to Engage Audience in a Discussion About “Living a Contemplative Life in a World of Action”
Former 76ers owner, entrepreneur, author, and media personality Pat Croce will engage
audience members in a lively discussion about retirement, mindfulness, approaches
to 
meditation, and what it takes to truly live a contemplative life on Wednesday, October
16, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., on West Chester University’s campus in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert
Hall, located on 700 South High Street in West Chester. Beginning and ending with
a short meditation, Croce’s open conversation with WCU’s Director of the Center for
Contemplative Studies Don McCown will lead directly into a dialogue with audience
members. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $5 for WCU faculty and staff, and
$2 for WCU students; the first 200 WCU students will be admitted free of charge. Those
attending are asked to register in advance via the following link: https://go.wcufoundation.org/events/special-event. For more information, call 610.436.2868. All ticket sales will benefit the WCU
Center for Contemplative Studies.
The Center for Contemplative Studies, which is staffed by professionals trained in mental health first-aid, is a holistic safe-space for students and the entire community to explore health and wellness, as well as friendship and solidarity. It functions to help students reduce stress and improve overall self-regulation and self-awareness, while also supports area neighbors in an effort to improve the well-being of all citizens. The Center’s programs are free of charge and a Saturday Series is open to the entire community.
Research performed at the Center has measured the impact of mindfulness training on WCU undergraduates. Statistically significant changes have been found, such as improvements in attention, emotional self-regulation and self-compassion. The Croce’s support is expanding Center offerings to help students recognize and take advantage of the valuable benefits that come from training the mind and body through contemplative practices.
Enrolling more than 17,000 students, West Chester University is the largest member of the 14-institution Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Founded in 1871, the University is a comprehensive public institution, offering a diverse range of more than 200 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 50 fields of study. In addition to West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, Philadelphia, and online. Six colleges and two schools comprise the University: University College, Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the Wells School of Music, and the Graduate School.